Chapter Text
The powerful voice of Freddie Mercury drifts through your Toyota 4Runner as you speed down the California highway. This trip had been a long time coming and you were ecstatic that you could finally make it. It’s been years since you’ve seen your uncle and your cousin in person, the last time being at Claudia’s funeral. You’ve kept in contact with the Stilinski's, constantly messaging Stiles and having monthly Skype calls with him and Noah. Life had been packed full with school but now that you’d finally graduated with your Master’s in Library Science, you had time to make the trip. The boys had started missing calls more frequently and you’d grown worried. The Christmas season had always been hard for the Stilinski’s after Claudia passed, it was hard for your mother too, so you had wrapped several gifts, packed your bags, and hopped in your car for the long drive from Seattle to Beacon Hills.
As you cross the county line for Beacon Hills, you feel the presence of the Nemeton wash over you. When you were younger and had visited the Stilinski’s the ancient tree had felt comforting and protective. Now it just felt wrong. You wonder if Stiles can sense it as well. Magic was something that ran in the family yet neither Noah or Stiles had ever mentioned it to you. Honestly, you and your mother sort of assumed that Claudia hadn’t ever told the boys about the family history before she passed. Maybe while you were in town you could suss out whether he’d discovered his magic or not. There had been numerous rumors over the last few years about the supernatural in Beacon Hills. Werewolves, banshees, and darachs were among the few that you’d heard. If Stiles had the family inclination, it would have had to show itself with everything going on.
As you drive through the streets of town, you watch for all the signs of festivities. Even though California had no snow, there were wreaths and lights strung up everywhere. The sheriff’s station is covered in a wild array of lights and you have a strong feeling that Stiles had something to do with it. You can tell that Christmas Eve festivities are underway by all of the cars parked out front of houses. Expecting Stiles and Noah to be spending the night alone, you’re surprised to find their house is one of those with several cars parked out front. Pulling in behind a black Camaro, you leave your bags in the car but grab the small pile of gifts you have before making your way to the door.
You can hear voices as you get closer but, curiously enough, they stop before you even knock. When you do knock, it only takes a couple seconds for the door to open.
“Hi Uncle Noah,” you give a wide grin to the shocked man who opens the door.
“Oh, wow! What are you doing here?!” He exclaims excitedly, dragging you in for a hug and making you drop the presents.
“I finally had the time to make the trip and wanted to see you guys in person. I figured Christmas was as good a time as any to surprise you but I certainly don’t want to interrupt your evening. I can come back tomorrow if you want.” You tell him, feeling sheepish that you hadn’t considered they might have company.
“Oh, not at all! You are always welcome here. God, it’s great to see you!” Noah beams, not taking his hand off your shoulder.
“Stiles! You’ve got a visitor!” He shouts through the house.
Seconds later, a familiar boy makes his way around the corner with intrigue. When he sees you, his eyes widen and he sprints forward.
“Cous!” Stiles yells as he leaps into your arms.
“Hey Mischief.” You respond, squeezing him tightly.
“Oh my god I can’t believe you’re here. OOO did you bring presents for me? Why are you here? Is everything okay? Did something happen to Aunt G?” He rambles, suddenly nervous that you’re here with bad news.
“All is good in the Gajos family, buddy. I just wanted to see you guys and finally had time to make the trip!” You grin at him.
“We were just sitting down to eat dinner, you have to join us!” Stiles informs you seriously, grabbing your hand to drag you into the other room.
“Oh, I really don’t want to interrupt.” You state nervously.
“Nonsense, you’re family.” Noah assures you, following after his excited son with a smile.
As you enter the other room, your extra senses sound alarms and you realize that the majority of people staring at you aren’t just human. Quickly masking any reaction, you keep your emotions and heartbeat steady as you give the room a small smile.
“Hey Scottie.” You zero in on the boy you’ve met before, realizing he isn’t the same asthmatic that he used to be.
Scott sends you a huge grin and stands up to give you a hug. Noah slides an extra chair and plate in next to his seat as Stiles introduces you.
“This is my favorite cousin! Be nice.” He states.
“Mischief, I’m your only cousin.” You deadpan as you take a seat.
“You’re not even my cousin but I still know you’re the best one!” Scott chimes in making you chuckle.
“Now who might I have the pleasure of dining with this evening and how do you all know my uncle and cousin?” You ask the room.
A confident redhead is the first one to answer your question. “Lydia Martin. Stiles and I share most AP classes together.”
Nodding, you study her. She emanates power and is obviously very smart. Lydia Martin feels like someone you could like.
Melissa McCall is the next one to speak up. “I’m not sure if you remember me but I’m Scott’s mom.”
You send her a grin in response. “I could never forget you or your fabulous stitching skills, Melissa.”
She laughs at the reminder of the time you’d ripped open your arm while playing with the boys as children. The older man beside her is the next to speak and based on their proximity you wonder if they’re a couple.
“Chris Argent. I consult on cases for Noah sometimes.”
You can’t help the skip in heartbeat as you hear his name. The Argents are infamous in the supernatural world and you can’t believe one is sitting here in a room full of supernatural creatures. Whatever is going on here is definitely going to throw you for a loop.
Next, you’re introduced to a Kitsune by the name of Kira who is dating Scott, a wild eyed girl named Malia, and an adorable younger wolf called Liam. A man around your own age introduces himself as Deputy Jordan Parrish with an official air that makes you grin. The curly-haired, arrogant looking wolf sitting next to Argent nonchalantly tells you his name is Isaac and then you’re left with the final person at the table. He’s visibly older than the rest which makes you wonder whether he’s a deputy like Jordan.
“This is Derek Hale. He’s not much of a talker.” Stiles speaks up for the man who looks very uncomfortable.
Studying the attractive man, it’s obvious to you that he’s been a wolf far longer than the others and while he may not be the alpha in name, he’s definitely the one in charge. You meet his gaze dead on.
“And how do you know Stiles and Noah?” You interrogate him in a level tone.
“I… consult on cases as well.” He responds but the hesitation makes it obvious he had to think about the answer.
Satisfied that you’ve thrown him off and that he only knows them through the pack, you nod and lean back in your seat.
“Now who made this food? Because it looks amazing and last I checked, Noah couldn’t cook for shit.” You break the tension.
“Hey!” Noah exclaims in fake offense.
“Cereal and boxed macaroni doesn’t count dad.” Stiles argues before stating proudly “I made most of it. Derek and Melissa helped.”
The Stilinski's lead the way in serving themselves and then everyone follows suit. Once you all are digging in, Melissa starts up a conversation.
“What are you doing in town?” She asks you.
“Now that I’ve graduated, I just had the time and felt like it had been long enough. Monthly Skype calls just don’t do these two justice.” You respond after swallowing a bite of potatoes.
“What did you study?” Lydia inquires.
“I earned a Master’s in Library Science from the University of Washington but my Bachelor’s was in Folklore and Mythology from Harvard.” You inform her.
She nods, impressed, but isn’t the only one listening.
“Why the interest in Folklore and Mythology?” Chris Argent asks with sharp eyes.
“Personal curiosity and a bit of family history.” You respond honestly, not giving anything away.
“Mom always used to read myths for bedtime stories. That’s a family thing?” Stiles looks at you with big eyes.
The entire table seems shocked that Stiles brought up Claudia.
“It is. The Gajos family has a long history in Folklore and Mythology, though in several areas of expertise.” You tell him.
“Claudia always used to have these huge old books she’d read in her free time. I always wondered where she got them.” Noah says.
“Family heirlooms. I’m pretty positive my mother stole them the last time we were here.” You tell him sheepishly.
“She was Claudia’s sister, I’m pretty sure those books meant more to her than me.” Noah gives you a reassuring smile.
Seemingly oblivious to the serious note that conversation has taken, the youngest kid pipes up.
“Did you guys see that the Devenford Prep lacrosse captain got suspended for cheating on exams? We might actually have a chance of winning next week!”
“Liam.” Scott groans quietly which makes you laugh.
“How is lacrosse going this year? Are a lot of you on the team?” You ask, moving with the change in subject.
“Stiles, Isaac, Kira, Scott, and I are on the team but Scott is the captain. We’ve got a 5-2 record so far.” Liam informs you with his mouth full.
“Are you the only girl on the team?” You ask Kira, impressed.
“Yeah.” She replies shyly.
“Badass.” You give her a wink. “I could kick ass back in high school but the coach always refused to let a girl on a team. Last I checked they finally started a female team but it still pisses me off. They actually give you any playing time?”
Scott immediately takes the chance to praise how good his girlfriend is at lacrosse and the kids turn that into a discussion about their very amusing Coach Finstock. The adults all watch with small smiles as they eat and you take the chance to continue studying everyone. You assumed that Jordan and Derek might chat but you find that Jordan hops into a side convo with Melissa, Noah, and Argent while Derek sits there eating silently. Every once in a while his ears will twitch, making you aware that he’s also observing the rest of the room. You wonder what the seasoned wolf has been able to figure out about you. Surprisingly, you find that you aren’t worried about giving too much away. Noah wouldn’t have allowed anyone at this table in the house if they didn’t have a good heart. You also definitely don’t miss the looks that Derek sends to Stiles.
Once dinner is done, you insist on helping clean up and then everyone piles into the living room to watch Elf. Melissa, Argent, Parrish, and Derek excuse themselves and you end up having a nightcap with Noah in the other room while the kids watch. It’s very obviously a pack puppy pile but you’ve already decided not to bring up the supernatural until after Christmas so that you don’t spoil the holiday. The two of you reminisce about Christmas memories from when Claudia was alive which ends up very teary eyed. Conversation turns lighter eventually and you talk about life, jobs, relationships, and everything you haven’t caught up on.
When the kids say goodnight, you tell the boys you should get going to try to find a hotel but they immediately insist you stay at the house. Not knowing how long you’d be staying, you didn’t want to invite yourself to their guest room but they both seem ecstatic to have your extended presence. That night as you lay in the guest bed, you ponder the group you’ve met and just how much your two family members know about the supernatural. Them being in a pack isn’t a turn you expected your visit to take but you’re curious to see how it ends up.